From a backyard shed to Australia’s only dedicated Dungeons and Dragons event, the Blackwood D&D Winterfest champions positive mental health through shared imagination, storytelling and connection.
Now in its seventh year, the three-day tabletop gaming festival draws fantasy lovers and gamers from across Western Australia, for a weekend of immersive roleplay, adventure, and community.
This year, 500 attendees will choose a character and play to make friends and enemies, fight monsters, discover loot, and complete quests.
With the help of with 90 volunteers, 100 games will play out over the weekend.
Thanks to a Lotterywest grant of $12,924, much-needed heating, volunteer costs, and permanent storage have been covered for the event.
Chair of the D&D Winterfest organising committee, Glenn Turner, said although resources are limited, the festival prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive - especially for neurodivergent players and the queer community.
“D&D is a way for people to connect, people who may never meet in any other context, and do something together that they enjoy,” Mr Turner said.
“If you’ve visited Bridgetown in winter, you’ll know it’s absolutely freezing, so the heating is very much needed and appreciated by everyone who attends.
“Before the Lotterywest grant, we were squeezing our gear into the corner of the Bridgetown Blues shed and our own garages, which was less than ideal.
“Now we have a sea container which fits everything we need, that we can access all year round, which is vital to us growing this event into the future.”
The sold-out 2025 event will feature a vibrant market of vendors with offerings that enhance play, including dice makers, leather crafters, stationery suppliers, and storytellers.
Food trucks and a coffee van will be on offer, and on-site camping available for attendees travelling from afar.
The sold-out Blackwood D&D Winterfest will be held on 19 and 20 July at Bridgetown Showgrounds.
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